Newspaper & Mailroom

Registration Opens for World Young Readers Prizes

Monday 13. April 2015 - The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) has opened registration for the 2015 World Young Reader Prizes, which annually honour news media that develop strategies and projects to effectively engage children, teenagers and young adults.

Deadline for entries in 5 May.
Attacks on press freedom figure strongly in this year’s awards: a special category for “teaching freedom” will honour projects that make sure new generations understand the importance and fragility of freedom of expression and the role of journalists who have worked and died in its service.
“More than ever before, it is essential that young people understand the central role that press freedom plays in democratic society,” said Dr Aralynn McMane, Executive Director for Youth Engagement and News Literacy at WAN-IFRA. “We witnessed some outstanding work in teaching about freedom of the press after the deadly attack on Charlie Hebdo, and know there are more projects out there to be shared. WAN-IFRA wants to make sure those efforts are recognised and repeated as widely as possible.”
The World Young Reader Prizes will also feature a second special category on “Digital First,” for news publishers that most creatively engage the young solely through mobile telephone, tablets or other digital devices. The category is supported by CCI Europe.
The other categories include brand (marketing initiatives), editorial (for innovative content strategies), enduring excellence, news in education (supported by sitesALIVE), public service, the Natasa Prize for printing plants and the World Young Reader News Publisher of the Year.
Entries are being accepted through 5 May.